To diagnose some ophthalmic problems, doctors need to see the fundus, which is impossible without artificial pupil dilation. This can be done only with the use of special medications. To achieve maximum mydriasis allow drops that expand the pupil. Preparations of this category are used in the process of examining children and adults. Let us consider in more detail which drops are used to diagnose various eye diseases.
When are pupil dilation drops needed?
Pupil size is constantly changing and depends on the lighting. Through this small hole, using a special tool - an ophthalmoscope - an ophthalmologist can look inside the eye and identify pathology. However, some difficulties may arise during the examination. The light emitted by the device causes pupil constriction, which greatly complicates the diagnostic process. In order to avoid such difficulties, specialists use drops that expandpupil.
Drugs that can increase the diameter of the pupil are called mydriatics. The main task of such funds is to relax some of the eye muscles. Indications for use are such pathologies as retinal detachment, dystrophic changes. Mydriatics help in assessing the state of the vessels of the retina, lens, optic nerve.
Drops can also be prescribed for medicinal purposes. For example, with a spasm of accommodation, the medication will help eliminate tension in the eye muscle. Eye drops are used to dilate the pupil during inflammation of the organs of vision, during surgery.
When determining refraction in young children, it is important that the lens is immobilized. Mydriatics also help to achieve this effect. You can not do without such drugs in the process of diagnosing astigmatism and farsightedness.
Effective and safe drops
Pupil-dilating ophthalmic preparations are distinguished depending on the mechanism of action. Some drops - direct mydriatics - can cause contraction of the muscle responsible for pupil enlargement. These drops include Irifrin, Phenylephrine.
The second group of drugs is called indirect mydriatics. They relax the muscle responsible for pupillary constriction. These drops have a similar effect on another muscle that adjusts the focus. They can be used for medicinal purposes. Among such drugs are eye drops "Tropikamid", "Midrum",Midriacil.
Atropine drops
Until recently, this drug was used in ophthalmic practice everywhere. However, today it is gradually being replaced due to a long therapeutic effect, many contraindications and frequent cases of adverse reactions. The active component of eye drops - atropine sulfate - is of plant origin (alkaloid). The substance dilates the pupil and increases intraocular pressure. Due to this, accommodation paralysis develops and vision deteriorates somewhat at a short distance.
"Atropine" - drops that dilate the pupil, rarely used in severe diseases of the cardiovascular, urinary and digestive systems. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation and some pathologies of an ophthalmic nature.
The maximum effect is observed 30-40 minutes after instillation of drops and it lasts for several days. If the effect of the drug does not stop for 7-10 days, this is referred to as side effects. The medicine can also provoke dizziness, tachycardia, hyperemia of the skin of the eyelids.
Means "Tropicamide": instructions for use
The drug belongs to mydriatics and affects the ciliary muscle of the eye, which is responsible for changing the diameter of the pupil, as well as the sphincter receptors of the iris of the visual organ. As a result of the therapeutic action, a short-term expansion of the pupil occurs, and its narrowing is prevented.
The drug is available only in the form of a solution for instillation into the eyes. The active ingredient of the drug is tropicamide. 1 ml of drops may contain 5 or 10 mg of the active substance. The therapeutic effect after applying the drops occurs after 5-10 minutes.
How long do the drops that dilate the pupil, "Tropicamide" work? The duration of the therapeutic effect depends on the concentration of the active ingredient. When using a 1% solution, the effect persists for 60 minutes. This concentration is usually used to diagnose ophthalmic pathologies in children. Adult patients are prescribed Tropicamide drops in the form of a 2% solution. In this case, the effect of the drug lasts at least 2 hours.
Rules of application
According to the annotation, the drug can be used in the following cases:
- in the diagnosis of the lens;
- when examining the fundus;
- for measuring refraction;
- in the process of surgical intervention on the retina, lens;
- as part of complex therapy in the treatment of eye diseases;
- to prevent inflammation after surgery.
The concentration of the drug is selected depending on the required speed of the therapeutic effect and on the purpose of use. The drug "Tropicamide" instructions for use are recommended to be instilled with a dropper, which is equipped with a bottle, or use a pipette. The drug must enter the lower part of the conjunctival sac.
Maximum pupil dilation can be achieved by instilling a 1% solution, 1 drop into each eye. If a drug with a lower concentration of the active substance is used, it is necessary to first drip one drop and repeat the manipulation after 5 minutes.
Tropicamide for kids
Drops that dilate the pupil can be used to diagnose vision even in newborn babies. It is allowed to use only a solution of 0.5%. To prevent the occurrence of side effects, experts recommend diluting drops with saline in a 1: 1 ratio immediately before use.
In rare cases, the drug may cause local side effects: photophobia, burning, decreased visual acuity, short-term increase in intraocular pressure.
